Embracing the experience

By The Reverend Christopher Lewis, Chaplain | Canberra Girls Grammar School, ACT

At Canberra Girls Grammar School (CGGS) Service Learning is an integral part of student life. Students engage in a variety of opportunities, such as Embracing Ministries, a chaplaincy unit in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn which is dedicated to supporting young people with disabilities.

Our students regularly participate in Embracing Ministries’ holiday programs, working as mentors alongside children with disabilities. Collaborating with Embracing Ministries allows students to engage in Service Learning that challenges their ideas of what it means to be a person and helps them to learn that a person living with disability is not defined by their disability.

The program is available to year 9–12 students, who are provided with comprehensive training prior to engaging in the program. Leadership development is a core feature, giving students the opportunity to move from mentor to leadership roles.

One student participant said working as a mentor and then a leader at the holiday program had been an amazing experience.

CGGS is committed to continuing and improving its Service Learning partnership with Embracing Ministries, to provide our students with opportunities for personal development and growth.

“Working with the kids was challenging at times, but the help and support provided by Andrea and her team helped me to understand what a blessing it was to be a part of the experience.”

Student

“Stepping up to the role of a leader seemed difficult at first, but my two years’ experience as a mentor made it easy to not only connect with the kids but have fun and enjoy my time with them.”

Student